Armenia insists EAEU membership remains key, no exit plans amid EU pursuit

Armenia has no intention of leaving the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), as its participation in the organization offers significant economic advantages, according to Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan.

Speaking to journalists, Simonyan reaffirmed Armenia's commitment to the EAEU.

"The EAEU is an economically favourable structure for Armenia. We don't have any plans to withdraw from the organisation, we intend to continue our participation," he stressed, Caliber.Az reports via Armenian media.

Simonyan also addressed concerns regarding Armenia's decision to pursue European Union membership, reassuring Russia that the move should not be cause for alarm. He emphasized that Armenia and Russia can discuss and resolve any issues that may arise.

Earlier in January, the Armenian government approved a draft law to initiate the process of joining the European Union, which was subsequently sent to parliament. This followed the collection of 60,000 signatures by non-parliamentary parties, which seemed to encourage Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan to highlight the European aspirations of Armenia’s citizens.

In response to the government's decision, the Kremlin expressed doubts about Armenia’s dual membership in the EAEU and the EU. Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov remarked that it is unclear what Armenia's EU ambitions might mean, and emphasized the need to understand the country’s specific intentions. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk further commented that the move to pursue EU membership could signal Armenia’s exit from the EAEU, comparing it to "buying a ticket to the Titanic."

By Tamilla Hasanova